Journeys in Galapagos
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Galapagos Tours and Cruises
The Galapagos Islands are like another planet which is why Bales tours to Galapagos are like no other. Each island is completely different to the next in terms of landscape, atmosphere and of course the famous wildlife. Each morning wake up moored next to a new island ready to explore. At the beaches of Espanola Island you can swim with baby sea lions. At Fernandina you can hike the volcanic rock amongst the colonies of lava lizards and marine iguanas. At the eerie island of Genovesa you can discover the blue and red footed boobies and within the green interior of Santa Cruz Island you will find the wild giant tortoises. The sunset at Kicker Rock and the amazing view from the top of Bartolome Island are other highlights of this heavenly paradise.
"There is always something happening in these wonderful islands, whether it be land and marine iguanas breeding, blue footed boobies courting or seal pups playing in the sea. All these activities, plus many more, along with its constant warm climate makes the Galapagos a year round destination. You will be amazed at how tame …and photogenic …all the animals and birds are that you will encounter when visiting these islands."
Steve Manley
one of our Latin America Experts
Call our Latin America team on 0844 488 1123 or send us an enquiry
Things to do and see
There are no highlights for this country at this time. Send us your holiday requirements or call our experts on 0845 057 1819.
Places to stay
Eric, Letty and Flamingo Galapagos Boats
Built in 1991 and refurbished every year, the M/Y Eric, M/Y Flamingo and M/Y Letty has 10 double outside facing cabins located on three decks with polished teak wood interiors, air conditioning throughout and private bath facilities with fresh, hot-and-cold-water shower. Public areas include a dining room, well-stocked bar and conference area, library of books and DVDs. Picture windows surround the upper two decks and offer a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and landscape. An experienced captain, 8 crewmembers, and 2 experienced English-speaking naturalist ....
Finch Bay Hotel
The Finch Bay Hotel is situated on Santa Cruz Island at Punta Estrada, across the bay from the town of Puerto Ayora, in a quiet location. There are no cars in the area, only pedestrians and bicycles, and the hotel totally supports the concept of ecotourism. There are 21 twin rooms, with private facilities and air conditioning, outdoor pool, bar/lounge and restaurant. From the hotel many activities are available including kayaking, bird watching, mountain biking and scuba diving.....
Galapagos Grand Odyssey
he Galapagos Grand Odyssey is the newest vessel to sail in the Galapagos, constructed in 2008 and launching in February 2011, and offers the most spacious suites of any boat in the Islands. The Grand Odyssey caters for a maximum of 16 guests in 10 cabins, with a staff of 10 crew members and 1 Naturalist Guide. There are 4 decks on board, with the Main Deck home to a large lounge, bar, library and inside dining room, as well as an alfresco dining area. The Upper Deck has an outdoor bar and shaded terrace, while the Sun Deck has an outdoor Jacuzzi and sun loungers. The cabins are all equipped with private bathroom, individual air conditioning, mini-bar and television, and are distributed as follows: MAIN DECK: 2 Matrimonial suites (1 king bed + 1 sofa-bed), 2 Galapagos (Standard) Suites (twin beds which can be changed to a king bed). UPPER DECK: 1 Odyssey suite (1 king bed), 1 Galapagos (Standard) Suite (twin beds which can be changed to a king bed) and 2 Galapagos (Standard) Suite....
Isabela II
Your 7 night cruise will be aboard the elegant Isabela II, a deluxe yacht built in 1988, renovated in early 2000, and recognised as the finest vessel currently operating to the islands. There are 20 mainly twin-bedded cabins, all facing outside, with private facilities (including permanent hot and cold water, shower and toilet), individual room temperature, light and music control. Facilities on the public decks include a dining room (where all guests can be accommodated at one sitting), a lounge/bar, games room, jacuzzi, sun deck and observation deck. The Isabela II is air-conditioned throughout.....
M/S Alta
The ketch-rigged motor yacht, M/S Alta is one of the most beautiful boats in the Galapagos. Elegantly furnished throughout there is a capacity of 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned and recently refurbished cabins, all of which have private facilities. The main salon, where evening briefings and presentations take place is inviting and comfortable. Buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner are served either in the dining room or al-fresco. The Alta has a crew of 8 plus an expert naturalist guide.....
The Eclipse
he Eclipse is a luxury small cruise ship accommodating a maximum of 48 passengers in 27 outside cabins with a crew of 29 1 naturalist guide for every 12 passengers. Fully air-conditioned, the spacious cabins have either a double or twin bed along with private facilities and in room safety deposit box. Onboard amenities include a well-equipped lounge for relaxation and guide briefings, indoor and outdoor dining area, library/video room, observation/sun deck and snack station for tea and coffee. There is a doctor on board, a laundry service, bathrobes in the cabins and complimentary use of snorkelling equipment. From your comfortable base aboard the Eclipse, you will be able to explore the best visitor sites in the islands. There are many opportunities to hike, swim, snorkel, kayak, bird watching and take great close-up photographs of the flora and fauna. The Eclipse anchors off-shore at 2 visitor sites per day. Passengers are divided into groups of a maximum of 12 people, each ....
The Explorer II
The Explorer II offers an interesting cruise of the Galapagos Islands with a variety of rest, leisure and interpretation options. Fully air conditioned, the ship has a capacity of 100 passengers in 50 suites. It has a piano bar, library, solarium, Jacuzzi and boutique on board. Cabins all have mini-bars, TV, safety deposit boxes and hairdryers. ....
The Hacienda La Carriona
The Hacienda La Carriona is located in the beautiful Valley of Los Chillos, south of the city of Quito. La Carriona's thick adobe walls have witnessed significant events in Ecuador's history. It was constructed by the Carrión family in the late 18th century. Today, the hacienda has 30 rooms, including several suites with fireplaces and an individual mix of antique and traditional furniture so no two rooms are alike.....
The Hotle Patio Andaluz
The Hotel Patio Andaluz is a colonial style hotel with 31 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a cava-bar and a library.....
The M/V Eclipse
The M/V Eclipse is a luxury small cruise ship accommodating a maximum of 48 passengers in 27 outside cabins with a crew of 29 1 naturalist guide for every 12 passengers. Fully air-conditioned, the spacious cabins have either a double or twin bed along with private facilities and in room safety deposit box. Onboard amenities include a well-equipped lounge for relaxation and guide briefings, indoor and outdoor dining area, library/video room, observation/sun deck and snack station for tea and coffee. There is a doctor on board, a laundry service, bathrobes in the cabins and complimentary use of snorkelling equipment.....
The MV Santa Cruz
Especially designed for Galapagos cruising, the M/V Santa Cruz (1,675 tons) was launched in 1979 and most recently renovated in 2005. At 72 metres long, the Santa Cruz accommodates a maximum of 90 passengers in 44 comfortable cabins. The experienced staff on board consist of a crew of 52 and 6 naturalists. There is also a medical officer on board at all times. All cabins are fully carpeted and air-conditioned throughout with individual temperature control and private bathrooms with 24 hour hot and cold water. Cabins are single, twin or triple occupancy with either twin or double beds, air-conditioning and private bathroom with shower. Each cabin also has a hairdryer and safety deposit box. The Santa Cruz has a total of 4 decks. On the Boat Deck there are 19 cabins including the 2 Master and 2 Junior Suites, 6 Superior Cabins, 8 Standard Cabins and 1 Single Cabin. The Main and Upper Decks have a further 13 and 12 Standard Cabins respectively. ....
Yacht La Pinta
Yacht La Pinta is a stylish 63 metre long luxurious expedition vessel, which after an extensive renovation started sailing in the waters of the Galapagos archipelago in March 2008. Her capacity of just 48 passengers is comfortably accommodated in 24 air-conditioned cabins which all offer panoramic views being located on the Upper Deck. The window-lined Dining Room is situated on the Main Deck. Spacious public areas on the Boat Deck include a large Observation Lounge which can also be used for outdoor dining. Also on the Boat Deck is an outside Sky Bar, exercise room, Jacuzzi and a well stocked natural history library. With a modern design, La Pinta has introduced new levels of comfort and service to Galapagos cruising.....
Staff Favourites
Ecology throughout the Galapagos Islands
The remarkable islands of the Galapagos make up one of the best-preserved tropical archipelagos in the world. Its singular combination of marine and land based ecosystems has resulted in habitats so specialised that some endemic species are indigenous to just one island, with nearly 20% of the ar chipelago’s marine species being found nowhere else.
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